Iranian authorities have detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony in the northeastern city of Mashhad, according to rights groups. The Iranian Nobel laureate was attending an event honoring a human rights lawyer who recently died under unclear circumstances when she was reportedly seized by security forces.
Mohammadi's arrest has raised concerns about the clampdown on activists and civil society figures in Iran amid economic pressures, sanctions, and heightened regional tensions. Supporters described her as being "violently detained" and reported that several other activists were also taken into custody.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed its concern over Mohammadi's arrest, calling for her immediate release and stating that it was a "serious violation of fundamental freedoms." Footage circulated online showed the Nobel laureate addressing the crowd without wearing a headscarf and leading chants referencing Majidreza Rahnavard, who was executed in public in 2022.
Mohammadi had been granted temporary medical leave from prison earlier this year due to longstanding health issues. Her doctors recommended that she remain on medical leave for at least six more months, warning of potential worsening of her physical well-being if she is returned to prison.
Narges Mohammadi was convicted five times and imprisoned 13 times over the years, facing cumulative sentences exceeding 30 years.
Mohammadi's arrest has raised concerns about the clampdown on activists and civil society figures in Iran amid economic pressures, sanctions, and heightened regional tensions. Supporters described her as being "violently detained" and reported that several other activists were also taken into custody.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed its concern over Mohammadi's arrest, calling for her immediate release and stating that it was a "serious violation of fundamental freedoms." Footage circulated online showed the Nobel laureate addressing the crowd without wearing a headscarf and leading chants referencing Majidreza Rahnavard, who was executed in public in 2022.
Mohammadi had been granted temporary medical leave from prison earlier this year due to longstanding health issues. Her doctors recommended that she remain on medical leave for at least six more months, warning of potential worsening of her physical well-being if she is returned to prison.
Narges Mohammadi was convicted five times and imprisoned 13 times over the years, facing cumulative sentences exceeding 30 years.